‘Bent’s Fort Fire’ burns 1,500 acres east of La Junta, 95 percent contained

OTERO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- A large grass fire ignited Saturday afternoon along Highway 194 east of La Junta. It continued burning overnight into Sunday morning.

In an update just before 2 p.m., the sheriff's office said the fire is now 95% contained after burning about 1,500 acres. Crews are continuing to mop up hot spots and monitor the situation.

On Saturday afternoon, the sheriff's office called the blaze 'massive,' with it burning about 1,200 acres by evening.

It's been named the Bent’s Fort Fire and crews from several counties came in to fight it overnight.

The fire soon crossed into Bent County. Residents between the Bent and Otero County Line and County Road 9 were told to evacuate towards Las Animas. However, that evacuation order was lifted by Saturday evening.

Highway 194 and Highway was closed around 2 p.m. Saturday between County Road 33.5 and Bent County Road, said the Colorado Department of Transportation. Highway 50 also had to close because of the fire. Both roadways were reopened Sunday morning just before 7 a.m., according to the sheriff's office.

Massive Fire East of La junta The “Bent’s Fort Fire” Fire units from all most of southeast Colorado responding. No size up as of yet. pic.twitter.com/nXn0iMwiv0

— Otero County Sheriff - Colorado (@OteroSheriff) April 11, 2020